'Girls Gone Wild' files for bankruptcy over debts

This cover image released by Girls Gone Wild shows the September 2009 issue of "Girls Gone Wild." "Girls Gone Wild" filed for bankruptcy Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 in Los Angeles in a move the company says is aimed at restructuring its legal affairs amid several creditors seeking more than $16 million in disputed debts. (AP Photo/Girls Gone Wild via PRNewsFoto)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The company behind the "Girls Gone Wild" video empire has filed for bankruptcy in a move it says is an effort to restructure its legal affairs after several disputed court judgments.

GGW Brands LLC and several subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Wednesday in Los Angeles, listing more than $16 million in disputed claims.

The largest claim is $10.3 million that Wynn Resorts Limited is seeking from the company for judgments entered against "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis over a gambling debt and statements he has made about the casino and its founder, Steve Wynn.

Francis no longer owns the company, which has made a fortune selling videos and magazines of young women flashing their breasts.

"Girls Gone Wild" issued a statement that it is financially strong but needed to "re-structure its frivolous and burdensome legal affairs."

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